These ducks are all over the paths + meadows of Christchurch Cathedral in Oxford! Christchurch College’s alumni include Lewis Carroll + W.H. Auden.

Did You Know?

The Duck was a symbol of Isis, the Egyptian goddess who was a patron of nature and magic. The following quote is taken from the book ‘The Burden of Isis’ which was published in 1910: “Thy duck, thy sister, Isis, produceth the sweet odours belonging to thee and with thee, Yet thy way doth not tend toward us, oh our lord!”

In the early thirteenth century, the University of Oxford began to develop. Scholars and teachers moved into small halls of residence here. They needed a central meeting place, so they came to this Church, using it for academic lectures as well as for Christian services.By about 1420 the Church had become too small for all these activities. Gradually the University moved its lectures, library and official ceremonies to other buildings nearby.John Wesley, founder of Methodism, often attended University Sermons while an undergraduate and then a Fellow of Lincoln College.Candles for the Oxford Martyrs – I stood on the spot where they were burned alive.Peace

On Your To-Do List

+ Where the famous “Oxford Martyrs” were hanged in Oxford in 1555 + 1556. The three martyrs were the Anglican bishops Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley and Thomas Cranmer (the Archbishop of Canterbury). They were tried for heresy in 1555 and burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs and teachings. Latimer and Ridley were burnt on 16 October 1555. Cranmer was burnt five months later on 21 March 1556

+ The “Great Hall” from Harry Potter at Christ Church College

+ Christ Church Meadow, beside Christ Church Cathedral. Uniquely in the Church of England, it serves as both College Chapel and Mother Church for the Diocese of Oxford.